Saffron Dodd

Note: I try to keep this updated as often as possible but for the most accurate and up-to-date wishlist, please check the ASH Literary website.

GRAPHIC NOVELS

I’m looking for graphic novels across all ages from MG to New Adult and genres with a particular soft spot for graphic novels for younger readers such as Night Chef by Mika Song, Lu and Rens Guide to Geozoology by Angela Hsieh, and Millie of the Manor by Karina Evans and Andrea Bell. In this age range I’m looking for heart, humour, and joy. Standalones and series ideas are both welcome.

Aging up in the space I’d love to see some outside the box thrillers and mystery GN’s like This Place Kills Me by Mariko Tamaki and Nicole Goux and On Starlit Shores by Bex Glendining. I’d also like to see accessible sci-fi graphic novels with world-building like Saga by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples. I’d also be really keen to see a graphic novel with a sports focus like A Map to the Sun by Sloane Leong or the manga Haikyuu!! by Haruichi Furudate.

CHAPTER BOOK & MIDDLE GRADE

I’d love to add some chapter book and more middle grade clients to my list this year. On the younger end of the spectrum, I’m looking for fun, wacky, and humorous stories like the Destiny Ink series by Adeola Sokunbi and the Little Badman series by Humza Arshad and Henry White.

It would be great to see some accessible, commercial leaning sci-fi in both chapter books and middle grade, and MG contemporary that explores themes of friendship, first crushes, identity, and growth. I would love to see stories that centre diverse voices intrinsically without necessarily being issues based or trauma led. I’d also love to see submissions that play with traditional narrative structures or incorporate unconventional storytelling techniques, like epistolary formats.

Some of my recent MG favourites include:
Midsummer’s Mayhem by Rajani Larocca
House of Shells by Efua Traoré
Vivi Conway and the Sword of Legend by Lizzie Huxley-Jones
Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger
Koku Akanbi and the Heart of Midnight by Maria Motunrayo Adebisi

YOUNG AND CROSSOVER

I’m looking for stories that encompass the broad range of YA–stories that will appeal to teens and those in the upper age ranges.

I’d love to find some contemporary stories that aren’t first and foremost a romance. The romantic aspect could be a tertiary aspect, but it shouldn’t be the main focus. I’m looking for stories that are about self-discovery, friendship and familial matters above anything.

I’d also love to see mysteries for the teen reader that aren’t particularly dark or gory (think a Sammy Keyes type novel for the 2026 teen).

Some of my recent favourite ‘teen’ reads include:
Friendship Never Ends by Alexandra Sheppard
Bad Influence by Tamsin Winter
Quiet Storm by Kimberly Whittam
Glow Up, Lara Bloom by Dee Benson

As we age up in the YA space, I’m looking for fantasy–high, low, urban, contemporary, paranormal, send it all my way. As above, I’d love to see more YA fantasy where romance isn’t a driving force. Send me your stories that focus on other kinds of love. I’m not opposed to a romantic subplot but I’m really looking for stories where it isn’t the be all and end all.

If it does have a romantic subplot, I’m particular eager to find stories where the romance is a true s l o w b u r n. Think the This Woven Kingdom series by Tahereh Mafi kind of slow burn. I want to be swept away by the depth of emotion and the gradual development of the romantic relationship, but I don’t necessarily want it to be the focus. 

I’d also love to see more genre-bending in the YA and crossover space. For example a murder mystery set in a fantasy world like The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson or Voyage of the Damned by Frances White.

Some of my recent YA and Crossover favourites include:
King of Dead Things by Nevin Holness
The Maid and the Crocodile by Jordan Ifueko
The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes
The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer
Influential by Amara Sage
These Deadly Prophecies by Andrea Tang

I am not a good fit for:

• YA and Adult contemporary romance / romcom
• Animal POV stories
• Novels in verse
• Novels where police brutality is the main conflict/theme
• Novels including extensive and explicit drug usage

And, as a reminder:

• I am not accepting only scripts for graphic novel pitches–your query needs to be accompanied with illustrations
• I am not currently accepting picture book submissions or illustrator portfolios (unless accompanied by a graphic novel pitch)

Submission Guidelines

I prefer all my queries to go through QueryManager. If you have an accessibility need that prevents you from using QueryManager you can query me via su*********@*********ry.com, but otherwise please use QueryManager.

Guidelines & Details